Sealcoating is a preventative maintenance treatment. It can’t fix cracks that are already there, but it stops them from getting worse.
Asphalt sealcoat protects the underlying pavement from degrading elements such as UV rays, water and oil. It also imparts a deep, black appearance to faded asphalt and enhances curb appeal. Visit Website to learn more.
Sealcoating is a vital asphalt maintenance task that protects your parking lot from weather and natural wear, prolonging its lifespan and saving you money in recurrent repairs. But like any job, adequate preparation is key to ensuring the results you want.
First, the area being sealed needs to be blocked off and fenced off. This is to keep pedestrians and vehicles from accidentally crossing the newly laid seal coat and damaging it. Then, workers will need to sweep the surface to remove any visible debris and dirt. They’ll also need to clean the edges of the pavement and any cracks and depressions that need filling.
Finally, weeds and vegetation should be removed from the area before sealing. These can cause a buildup of moisture which leads to premature deterioration. Once everything is cleaned, workers can move on to preparing the area for sealcoating. They’ll need to measure the square footage of the area they’re going to be working on. This allows them to calculate how much sealer they need. They’ll then need to prepare the barrels of sealer for application.
There are several different ways to apply sealer, but spraying is the most popular. It’s faster and more efficient than squeegeeing, and it provides a smoother finish. To get the best results, workers should use a ride-on sealcoating trailer with a distributor bar. This allows them to work more quickly and efficiently while minimizing any overspray on sidewalks, curbs, or buildings.
Coal tar emulsions are used in most sealcoating applications. These materials have been known to contribute to cancer and other health issues in those who come into direct contact with them, so workers need to take special care when handling them. They should use gloves and long-sleeved clothing, and a mask to prevent any skin or lung contact.
The next step in preparing for sealcoating is to select the right time of year. The weather needs to be dry and not too hot or cold. If rain is in the forecast, workers should postpone the project until the conditions are better. It’s also important that the ground isn’t too moist, as this will cause the sealer to dry too quickly and not adhere to the blacktop. Finally, workers should ensure the area is clear of any chemicals such as lawn fertilizers.
Application
Sealcoating is more than just a coat of polyurethane, it’s a protective coating that protects your asphalt surface from damage. It also extends the life of your paved area, reducing the need for expensive resurfacing services and keeping your pavement looking newer longer.
A good time to apply sealcoat is in the spring or summer. This is when humidity levels are low, allowing the sealer to evaporate more quickly. Humidity can drastically affect the drying times, as moisture in the air can saturate the coating and reduce its ability to evaporate.
The first step in the application process is to block off the area to be sealed, blocking off walls, driveways, walkways and any plants or grass that you don’t want the sealer to get on. Then, you need to turn off any sprinkler systems and make sure that all vehicles are removed from the area and won’t be used for 24 hours afterward. Finally, you need to make sure that the area is clearly marked to avoid any accidents during and after the application of the sealcoat.
The actual application of the sealcoat can be done using a spray or brush, depending on your preference and the size of your parking lot. It’s important to note that the workers applying the sealcoat must wear respirators to avoid inhaling any fumes from the coal tar or acrylic materials used in the sealcoat, which can cause a variety of health problems including cancer. So it’s critical that the workers are trained on how to handle and use the equipment before they start working.
Once the sealcoat has been applied, it’s important to let it dry for a few days. This is when you’ll see the best results, but it’s essential to choose a few days that are clear of clouds. Cloudy conditions can prolong the drying process and can even prevent the sealcoat from drying at all.
The reason for this is that the sealcoat depends on direct sunlight to set properly. If it doesn’t have this, the result will be a low-quality finish that will not adhere to your asphalt pavement and may come off within a few weeks.
Curing
Asphalt pavement is primarily rock and stone and gravel, held together with a binder made from the distillation process of certain crude oils. The binder helps to keep the rocks and gravel together while providing a smooth and durable surface. Over time, the sun’s UV rays and chemicals degrade the binder and begin to deteriorate the asphalt surface. Sealcoating is a maintenance technique that prevents this degradation and extends the life of the asphalt surface.
The surface of the pavement must be clean, dry and free of any visible debris prior to applying sealcoating. This step is critical in ensuring that the newly applied asphalt and sealcoating adhere properly to the surface of the concrete. In addition, workers need to sweep and blow away any sand that has collected on the surface of the pavement. The surface should also be completely free of any oil and gasoline spills as these can stain the newly applied asphalt and inhibit the proper curing of the new sealcoat.
Before beginning the actual sealcoating process, workers need to fully block off the area so that no pedestrians or cars can enter the parking lot during the application and drying of the sealcoat. They should also turn off any perimeter sprinkler systems that are used to water grassy areas of the parking lot and allow the sealcoat to cure for a full day before vehicles are allowed to drive on it.
There are a variety of different sealcoating products on the market today, with some of them offering faster drying times than others. The best choice will depend on the type of climate and conditions where the work is being done. One thing that must be kept in mind is that the carcinogenic materials that are found in many of these products can cause health problems if workers get them on their skin or in their lungs, so it is very important to take the necessary safety precautions.
When applying the sealcoat, workers need to use special paving equipment that is designed to ensure an even and consistent application of the product. This includes both sprayers and squeegee machines that are equipped with continuous agitation. Ideally, the equipment should be cleaned and wiped down after each use to reduce the risk of cross-contamination from one batch to another. It is also a good idea to pre-mix any additional paving additives into the sealer that is being used, if possible. This will help to avoid the “shock” effect that can occur when these additives are added to a previously mixed batch of sealer.
Maintenance
Sealcoating can significantly extend the life of your asphalt pavement for a relatively low cost. It helps prevent oxidation, seals against weather damage, and beautifies your property. Its appearance also helps to increase the value of your property.
The best time to sealcoat your parking lot or driveway is during spring and summer. The temperatures are warm, and the sun’s rays are strong, allowing for faster evaporation of moisture. It is important that you shut off all sprinkler systems around the area to be sealed, and ensure that pedestrians and cars are kept away from the asphalt surface. The asphalt must dry completely before being used again.
It is a good idea to have your asphalt resealed every two to five years to keep it looking fresh and new. By keeping up with your sealcoating, you can avoid the costs of resurfacing and repair.
In addition, you should also make sure that any cracks or potholes are repaired immediately. If left unattended, these problems will continue to grow, and the asphalt may eventually need to be replaced.
Asphalt is primarily composed of rock and stone aggregate, held together with a binder made from distillation of certain crude oils. Rain, UV rays and chemicals degrade the binder, which eventually causes the pavement to deteriorate. By sealing the surface, you can protect the underlying materials and prevent water from seeping through the cracks and fissures in the surface, causing additional damage to the underlying structure.
Sealcoating helps to restore the black color of faded asphalt and improves its overall curb appeal. It also protects against oil, water and other chemical stains. If you’re thinking of selling your home, a freshly sealcoated driveway or parking lot will attract buyers and can increase the value of your property.
